Accessory system for ATV and method of use

ABSTRACT

An ATV jack may include an adjustable jack leg and an engagement member configured to engage a bracket disposed on an ATV to non-pneumatically lift the ATV to enable changing of a tire.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a jack and accessories for use with a variety of all-terrain, utility or off-road vehicles. More particularly, the present invention leads to a jack and accessories which allows a tire or other components to be quickly changed while keeping weight to a minimum and which may be used to secure the vehicle on or in a trailer and the like

Background

Conventional all-terrain vehicles, such as four wheelers, side-by-sides or utility task vehicles (UTVs) and recreational off-road vehicles (ROVs) are all popular vehicles used in a variety of environments. As used herein, the term “ATV” is used to include any of these vehicles.

ATVs are popular vehicles for a variety of reasons. Because the user can get on and off (or in and out) easily and the ATV can be cleaned more easily than an automobile, they are often used to perform work on farms and ranches, during which the vehicle may be exposed to mud, manure or other substances which may be difficult to clean out of a truck or other automobile. Likewise, ATVs are very popular because they allow the user to access areas which are more difficult to access with a conventional automobile. ATVs can travel on roads which are too rough for most cars, and are narrow enough to go on trails which are too small for pick-ups and most other four-wheel drive vehicles.

Because ATVs travel on rough roads and other harsh environments, ATVs can suffer damages to their tires. For example, hitting a sharp rock may cause a tire to go flat. Automobiles are often equipped with a jack which allows the user to change a flat tire. The jack usually includes a screw mechanism which increases the height of the jack until it engages the frame of the automobile and lifts the tire off of the ground so that it may be changed. It can take several minutes of turning to lift the automobile sufficiently to enable the tire to be removed.

In an ATV the problem is exacerbated. First, ATVs have less room to carry a jack than an automobile. Moreover, because an ATV can travel on much rougher roads, there is a much greater variance in the potential height between the frame or suspension of the ATV and the road surface. For example, a typical automobile will have its frame between 12 and 18 inches from the ground. The undercarriage of an ATV typically rides higher over the road, and moreover, the ATV may be parked on rough or muddy ground where the center of the tire will need to be 24 inches or more above the surface directly thereunder to comfortably change the tire. Using a conventional screw jack would take considerable time to expand the jack to lift the tire off the ground to change the tire. Moreover, because the terrain might be very rough, the optimum spot to set the foot of the jack may not be directly beneath the ATV. A conventional jack may, when supporting the weight of a vehicle, be driven into soft or muddy ground, and thus be ineffective in lifting the vehicle or difficult to retrieve. Additionally, the size of the jack might be relatively large for use on an ATV.

Still another issue with ATVs is that their suspension system is often provided with a greater range of motion than, for example, is present in a typical passenger car. Thus, if the ATV is lifted by engaging the vehicle frame as is common with car jacks, the frame has to be lifted a considerable distance so that the wheel will actually come off the ground.

An additional concern with ATVs is that the suspension systems differ significantly between models. In some configurations, the strut bolt extends parallel with the length of the ATV, while other configurations have the strut bolt perpendicular to the length of the ATV. In some configurations the strut bolt is positioned immediately adjacent the front or rear of the control arm, leaving it easily accessible, while other configurations have a strut bolt which is recessed and difficult to access.

Thus, there is a need for a jack which can be used with an ATV which is simple, quick, allows for flexibility in positioning, and is relatively compact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved ATV jack which may include a variety of different components to provide a jack which can be easily attached to an ATV or other vehicle to lift one or more wheels to facilitate the repair of a tire, changing of brake pads, ball joints, tie rods, arms or axels, etc. The components may also have other uses as well.

In one embodiment, the jack may include an engagement member which can engage the frame or suspension system of an ATV and a leg which will lift the ATV. The engagement member may include an insert which engages a void or hole on the ATV or a void or hole on an attachment to the ATV and an extendable leg which rotates or pivots over a limited range of motion with respect to the insert to lift the ATV.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a non-pneumatic crankless fulcrum ATV jack system for removably mounting to an ATV suspension system. In some embodiments, the jack may include: a leg that is telescoping and adjustable in length and comprises two or more telescoping leg segments, wherein the leg is configured to extend in a pre-extended position prior to loading at a fixed length greater than the distance of the suspension system to the ground and sufficient to raise the tire off the ground when the leg is in a vertical position.

In some embodiments, the jack system may include a clamping engagement member comprising two opposing clamping jaws, while in other embodiments the engagement member may include a projection which inserts into a mounting bracket disposed on an ATV. In still other embodiments, the mounting bracket disposed on an ATV may extend into the engagement member of the jack.

In other embodiments, the invention further comprises a variety of different safety locks to prevent the engagement member from pivoting with respect to the remainder of the leg.

In one aspect, the present invention may include an ATV jack comprising an engagement member and a leg, the engagement member being pivotably attached to the leg.

In other embodiments, the leg may comprise an engagement surface for limiting the rotation or pivoting of the engagement member in at least one direction.

In yet other embodiments, the leg may be adjustable in length. For example, the leg may comprise two or more telescoping leg segments. In some embodiments, the leg member may comprise an upper leg segment attached to the engagement member, at least one middle leg segment and a lower leg segment, and wherein at least one of the leg segments telescopes from one of the other leg segments, while in other embodiments the leg may simple have two segments which are adjustable with respect to one another.

In some embodiments, one or more leg segment may comprise a plurality of holes and the jack may further comprise one or more pins configured to insert into the plurality of holes, so as to permit adjustment of the length of the jack and fixing it at a desired length.

In some embodiments, the leg may attach to a base. In some embodiments, the base comprises a base plate. In other embodiments, the base plate comprises a flat plate. In other embodiments, the base comprises a pointed end. In yet other embodiments, the base has a rubber coating disposed thereon.In another aspect, the jack of the present invention may further comprise a safety lock system configured to lock the clamping engagement member in place when the leg is generally vertical under the ATV to restrict the engagement member from pivoting and allowing movement of the leg substantially beyond vertical.

In some embodiments, the safety lock system may include a radial flange disposed around and near a proximal end of the engagement member (near the pivot point on the leg) and a safety collar having an opening configured to fit over the engagement member between the radial flange and the leg, thereby preventing the engagement member from pivoting and locking the engagement member in place. In some embodiments, a top portion of the leg comprises a flange having a single side opening configured to restrict the engagement member from pivoting greater than about 45 degrees.

In other embodiments, the safely lock system may include a cap which engages the leg to limit movement of the engagement member to thereby hold the engagement member and the leg in a desired orientation.

In other embodiments the jack system may include one of a variety of brackets which attach to the ATV to facilitate engagement with the engagement member of the jack. In some configurations, the bracket may include a tube into which the engagement member is inserted. The bracket may be attached to the ATV using the strut bolt or other structure on the suspension system of the ATV. In the alternative, the bracket may include a bolt which replaces the strut bolt.

In other embodiments, the bracket may include a projection and the engagement member may have a void or recess into which projection of the bracket may nest. Additionally, extenders may be provided for situations in which the control arms or other portions of the suspension interfere with attachment of the engagement member to the bracket.

In addition for use with the jack, the brackets may include one or more openings for receiving a strap or other holder so that the brackets may be used to facilitate transport of the ATV. For example, the bracket may include an opening which facilitates the attachment of a strap which allows the ATV to be more conveniently tied down to a trailer. Likewise, the openings in the brackets can be used with a strap to draw two brackets on opposing sides of the suspension system together to thereby reduce the width of the ATV to facilitate loading in a trailer, such as a toy hauler.

In another aspect, the jack of the present invention may comprise a second jack having an engagement member and a leg, the ATV jack system further comprising a brace for attaching the jacks together. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for lifting an ATV having a suspension system using a non-pneumatic crankless fulcrum ATV jack, a method may comprise providing an ATV jack having a clamping engagement member configured to reversibly clamp to a support structure of the ATV suspension system and a telescoping adjustable length leg with two or more telescoping leg segments comprising a top leg and bottom leg portion, wherein the top leg portion is pivotally attached to the clamping engagement member, wherein the leg is configured to extend in a pre-extended position prior to loading at a fixed length greater than the distance of the suspension system to the ground and sufficient to raise the tire off the ground when the leg is in a vertical position; disposing the leg at a downward angle so that the bottom portion of the leg rests on the ground in the pre-extended position; and

advancing the ATV toward the leg so that the leg moves toward vertical until the leg stops pivoting with respect to the engagement member. The method may further include the jack further comprises a safety lock system configured to lock the engagement member in place when the leg is vertical under the ATV, and

wherein a top portion of the leg comprises a flange having a single side opening configured to restrict the engagement member from pivoting and allowing movement of the leg substantially beyond vertical.

In other embodiments, the leg telescopes and wherein the method further comprises adjusting the leg's length prior to inserting the engagement member into the tube.

In other embodiments, the leg may have a base attached thereto.

In other embodiments, the leg may pass over vertical.

In other embodiments, advancing the ATV toward the leg loads the suspension system (i.e. compresses the strut) thereby lifting the wheel off the ground while often causing less upward movement of the vehicle body or frame than would be necessary if the jack were to lift the wheel off the ground by engaging the body or frame.

It will be appreciated that various aspects of the invention may be used together and there is no requirement—apart from the language set forth in any claim—that the various inventive aspects disclosed herein be included together in any particular embodiment. Thus, the scope of the invention claimed should be determined by the elements set forth in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments and features of and ATV jack are shown and described in reference to the following numbered drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a side, cross-sectional view of an ATV jack made in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the ATV jack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the ATV jack of FIG. 1, in a first, initial position wherein the insert is at a height H1 above a surface;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the ATV jack of FIG. 1, in a second, peak position wherein the insert is at a height H2 above the surface;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the ATV jack of FIG. 1 has a third, lift position wherein the insert is at a height H3 above the surface;

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of an ATV having its left rear tire lifted for removal or repair;

FIG. 7 shows an end view of a bracket which may be used on an ATV to facilitate the use of the ATV jack;

FIG. 8 shows a side view the bracket of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows the bracket of FIGS. 7 and 8 mounted on the engagement of a suspension arm and a shock absorber of an ATV.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of an ATV which is using the bracket of FIG. 8 to hold an umbrella;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of an ATV which is using the bracket to hold a light powered by a propane cylinder;

FIG. 12 shows a top view of an adapter which may be used to engage a suspension arm of an ATV for use with the ATV jack;

FIG. 13 shows an end view of the adapter of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a rear view of an ATV having one wheel jacked up using a jack and the adapter;

FIG. 15 shows an alternate adapter which may be mounted on a suspension arm for replacing a tire; and

FIG. 16 shows the use of a pair of jacks to lift an entire end of an ATV.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of a jack made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a front view of a safety collar;

FIG. 19 shows an engagement member and projection that make up a frame pin;

FIG. 20 shows a side view of a jack body;

FIG. 21 shows a front view of a jack body;

FIG. 22 shows a top view of a sand foot plate;

FIG. 23 shows a side view of a sand foot plate;

FIG. 24 shows a side view of a foot plate with a rounded edge;

FIG. 25 shows a top view of a foot plate with a rounded edge;

FIG. 26 shows a side view of a standard rectangular foot plate;

FIG. 27 shows a top view of a standard rectangular foot plate;

FIG. 28 shows a vehicle mounting system;

FIG. 29 shows a vehicle mounting system with a jack mounted thereon;

FIG. 30 shows a top view of a clamp;

FIG. 31 shows a top view of a clamp base;

FIG. 32 shows a side view of a clamp base;

FIG. 33 shows a top view of a clamp base;

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of a vehicle mounting bracket.

FIG. 35 shows a sectional view of a vehicle mounting bracket.

FIG. 36 shows a side view of a clamping bracket with a front screw clamping mechanism;

FIG. 37 shows a front view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 shows a side view of a clamping bracket with a rear screw clamping mechanism;

FIG. 39 shows a front view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 shows a side view of a clamping bracket used to clamp between two structures.

FIG. 41 shows a side view of a clamping bracket used to clamp a single structure;

FIG. 42 shows another embodiment of a clamping bracket used to clamp between two structures;

FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of a clamping bracket used to clamp between two structures

FIG. 44 shows a front view of another embodiment of a clamping bracket used to clamp onto a single structure;

FIG. 45 shows a side view of the clamping bracket of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 shows the clamping bracket of FIGS. 44 and 45 clamped onto a vehicle structure;

FIG. 47 shows a bracket for use on an ATV having a strut bolt or other attachment member which extends generally perpendicular to the length of the vehicle;

FIG. 48 shows an end view of the bracket of FIG. 47 mounted on a fragmented suspension system;

FIG. 49 shows an alternate bracket having a threaded portion and a projection for nesting in a void or opening of an engagement member of a jack;

FIG. 50 shows an end view of the projection of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 shows an adapter mountable on the projection shown in FIG. 49 for extending the projection;

FIG. 52 shows an end view of the adapter of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 shows the upper portion of the jack and an engagement member attached to the upper portion;

FIG. 54 shows an end view of the engagement member of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of a safety cap, which nests on the top of the upper portion of the leg to lock the engagement member in place;

FIG. 56 shows a side cross-sectional view of the safety cap mounted on the upper portion of the leg to lock the engagement member in place with the engagement member attached to the suspension system;

FIG. 57 shows a perspective view of a 20 inch lower leg which telescopes relative to the upper portion;

FIG. 58 shows a 10 inch lower leg which may be used with ATVs or other vehicles which have a lower height requirement to lift the tire off the ground;

FIG. 59 shows an alternate configuration of a mounting system similar to that shown in FIGS. 29 through 33;

FIG. 60 shows a perspective view of an adapter for securing an ATV to a trailer.

FIG. 61 shows a side view of the adapter mounted on an engagement member attached to the suspension of a vehicle;

FIG. 62 shows the rear end of an ATV attached to the bed of a trailer; and

FIG. 63 shows an alternate configuration wherein the adapters are used with a strap for reducing the width of the ATV for transport; and

FIG. 64 shows a complete jack system.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of an invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of embodiments of ATV lift systems in greater clarity. Several aspects from different figures may be used in accordance with ATV jacks in a single structure. Similarly, not every embodiment need accomplish all advantages of various embodiments of ATV lift systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The skilled artisan will understand, however, that the apparatuses, systems and methods described below can be practiced without employing these specific details, or that they can be used for purposes other than those described herein. Indeed, they can be modified and can be used in conjunction with products and techniques known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. The drawings and descriptions are intended to be exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the drawings may show aspects of the invention in isolation and the elements in one figure may be used in conjunction with elements shown in other figures.

Reference in the specification to “one configuration” “one embodiment,” “a configuration” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the configuration is included in at least one configuration, but is not a requirement that such feature, structure or characteristic be present in any particular configuration unless expressly set forth in the claims as being present. The appearances of the phrase “in one configuration” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the invention to a single configuration, rather the element may be included in other or all configurations discussed herein.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of configurations of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more configurations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of products or manufacturing techniques that may be used, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that configurations of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular structures, process steps, or materials discussed or disclosed herein, but is extended to include equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinarily skill in the relevant art. More specifically, the invention is defined by the terms set forth in the claims. It should also be understood that terminology contained herein is used for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the invention only and is not intended to limit the invention to the aspects or configurations shown unless expressly indicated as such. Likewise, the discussion of any particular aspect of the invention is not to be understood as a requirement that such aspect is required to be present apart from an express inclusion of the aspect in the claims.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a channel” may include one or more of such springs, and reference to “the backing” may include reference to one or more of such layers.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result to function as indicated. For example, an object, such as tubing, that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context, such that enclosing nearly all of the length of a piece of tubing would be substantially enclosed, even if the distal end of the structure enclosing the tubing had a slit or channel formed along a portion thereof. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, structure which is “substantially free of” a bottom would either completely lack a bottom or so nearly completely lack a bottom that the effect would be effectively the same as if it lacked a bottom.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member.

Concentrations, amounts, proportions and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

The jack system of the present invention generally includes an engagement member, a leg and a base. The engagement member is configured to mate with a mating engagement member mounted to an ATV. The leg may be adjustable to any desired length sufficient to lift the vehicle off the ground and the available length may be determined by the needs of the vehicle. The engagement member of the jack is mounted to the mating engagement member on the ATV, the leg is extended a distance away from the ATV with the base on the ground. By simply moving the ATV in a direction toward the base on the ground, the jack lifts the vehicle off the ground, where it can then be repaired or maintained. The jack system of the present invention (which has been adjusted to a fixed length) thus lifts the ATV off the ground by means of the movement of the vehicle to essentially high-center one or more of the ATV wheels above and/or over the jack itself. Other advantages and safety features of the jack are described in greater detail below.

Turning now to FIG. 1 there is shown a side, cross-sectional view of an ATV jack, generally indicated at 10, made in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. The ATV jack 10 may include an engagement member 14, such as insert 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the insert includes a mating engagement member, such as a projection 22, which may be a solid piece of metal, a tube or piece of hollow steel or other suitably durable lightweight material, such as aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, etc. that is capable of supporting the weight of an ATV or other vehicle.

Those familiar with ATVs will appreciate that the rear suspension system on some ATVs sold by Polaris Industries, Inc., Medina, Minn., USA, for example, includes a tube adjacent the juncture between one of the suspension arms and the shock absorber. The projection 22 may be sized to fit in that tube with little movement or play between the parts in the connection. However, a variety of sized and shaped projections could be used.

Moreover, it is further understood that the engagement member 14 and its mating engagement member may comprise any suitable cross-sectional geometry suitable to maintain the structural integrity of the system. For example, the cross-sectional geometry may be circular, oval, square, triangular, I-beam shaped or any other suitable shape. Similarly, it is understood that the engagement member and mating engagement member may be either male fitting or female fitting connectors. For example, the engagement member of the jack may be a male fitting projection and the mating engagement member of the bracket that is attached to the ATV may be a female fitting receiving tube. Conversely, the engagement member of the jack may be a female fitting receiving tube and the mating engagement member of the bracket that is attached to the ATV may be a male fitting projection. In addition, the mating of the engagement member 14 and its mating engagement member mounted to a bracket on the vehicle may be a simple sliding arrangement of the engagement member with the mating engagement member, or could alternatively comprise a threaded screw-like mating of the engagement member with the mating engagement member where the external surface of the projection and the internal surface of the tube having mating thread structures that allow the projection to be screwed into the tube. A threaded screw-like mating relationship would have the added safety advantage that the engagement member and mating engagement member would not inadvertently come apart during use and cause the vehicle to fall. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable connecting mechanisms may also be utilized.

The insert 18 may also include a base 26 which extends from the insert. The base may be formed integrally with the insert 18, or may be formed separately and then either welded or otherwise attached to the insert. While FIG. 1 shows both the insert and the base as being solid, it will be appreciated that one or both could be hollow provided that sufficiently strong materials are used to handle the weight associated with holding the wheel of an ATV above the ground.

The engagement member 14 is connected to a leg 30. This engagement member 14 and the leg may pivot or rotate with respect to one another. Thus, a pin 34 may, for example, engage the base 26 and a flange (FIG. 2) or similar structure at the top 30 a of the leg 30. The leg 30 may also include an engagement surface 38 to limit the rotation of the engagement member 14 toward the leg in one direction as will be explained in additional detail below. Rotational degree or degree of swing of the leg 30 may be limited to, for example, about −10 degrees to 60 degrees from vertical with respect to the engagement member 14.

The leg 30 may in some embodiments be formed from a plurality of segments 30 b, 30 c, 30 d to allow the leg to telescope to a needed height. Thus, the leg 30 may include an upper segment 30 b, a lower segment 30 d, and, if needed, one or more middle segments 30 c. Each of the segments may include a plurality of holes 42. Alternatively, one or more of the segments may have only a single hole, while another segment has a plurality of holes. By aligning holes 42 from two adjacent segments and inserting pins 46 to hold the sections relative each other, the height of the leg can quickly be adjusted to provide a desired height. Unlike a screw jack which can take several minutes and hundreds of turns to get to a desired height, the telescoping leg 30 can be adjusted to the desired height in a matter of seconds. Additionally the leg 30 allows considerable extension in a small package. A leg which is about 1 foot long when fully collapsed can be extended, for example, to 32 inches. If four segments are used, the leg can be extended to about 42 inches. Alternatively, two leg segments each about 20 inches long can be extended to about 38 inches with use of a single pin. A screw jack would have to be much larger to reach 38-42 inches tall and would take several minutes to fully deploy.

Disposed at the bottom of the lower segment 30 d may be a foot or base plate 50. The base plate 50 may be rigidly attached or pivotally attached to the lower section 30 d. The base plate may, in some embodiments, include a first generally flat portion 50 a and a second, upwardly rounded portion 50 b. The underside of the base plate 50 may be coated with rubber or other high friction surface 54 to encourage a good grip with the surface on which the jack 10 is being used. The rounded second portion 50 b has been shown to assist the base plate with gripping smooth surfaces, such as polished concrete. The upwardly rounded portion is useful when the base plate 50 is rigidly attached to the lower segment 30 d.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the ATV jack of FIG. 1. The structures have been provided with like numbering. The view in FIG. 2 obscures the engagement surface 38 and makes visible the flange 32 at the top of the leg 30 which receives the pin 34 to provide the pivotable engagement between the leg and the engagement member 14. It will be appreciated that other means known to one of skill in the art of pivotably attaching the leg 30 to the engagement member 14 may be used, such as a ball and socket joint and the like.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-5, there are shown side views of the ATV jack 10 which demonstrate how the jack works. Specifically, the jack 10 is positioned so that the projection 22 of the engagement member 14 is inserted into a hole on the suspension system of the ATV. The angle at which the leg 30 extends from the engagement member 14 will depend on the height of the hole above the surface 60 below the tire. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the hole has a height (H1) 18 inches above the surface 60. The leg 30 has a length (L) of 32 inches. This provides an extension distance (D1) of approximately 26 inches. In use on a rear tire, the base plate 50 is approximately 26 inches behind the pivot point.

The ATV is then driven toward the jack 10. The base plate 50 engages the surface 60 and maintains its position. This causes the leg 10 to pivot upwardly. As shown in FIG. 4, the top of the leg has been moved rearwardly 26 inches so that the leg is vertical and the distance (D2) goes to zero. This results in the hole in the ATV being lifted to (H2) above the surface 60 to have the minimal height required to lift the tire above the ground, which also provides maximum safety by lifting the vehicle no higher than necessary to lift the wheel off the ground. By going about a few inches (DH3) beyond the point at which the leg 10 is vertical, as shown in FIG. 5, the height (H3) drops slightly lower. The ATV is then put in park and the emergency brake is applied. The distance (D3) the top of the leg 10 can go beyond vertical is controlled by the position of the engagement surface 38 on the leg which limits the amount the engagement member 14 can pivot forwardly. Because the leg 30 is positioned more than vertical, the weight of the ATV prevents the leg from moving back to the original position. To move the leg back into vertical positioning, the ATV must be lifted slightly or the leg will not pivot back into the position shown in FIG. 4.

With the jack 30 in the position shown in FIG. 5, the wheel of the ATV can be repaired or replaced. Once finished, the user merely needs to drive the ATV away from the jack sufficiently for the leg 30 to pivot to vertical as shown in FIG. 4 and then the ATV will naturally move forward so that the leg goes back to the position shown in FIG. 3. Unlike a screw jack which can take several minutes to deploy and which requires a large jack to provide a lift height of, for example, 32 inches, the present jack and be deployed in under a minute and a relatively compact jack can be used to provide lift over a broad range of heights.

Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown a rear view of an ATV 60 having its left rear tire 64 lifted for removal or repair. Those familiar with ATVs will appreciate that the suspension system 68 typically includes a plurality of suspension arms 72, 76, and shock absorbers 80. On some models, there is a hollow tube 84 adjacent where the shock absorbers attach to the suspension arms 76. On such models, the projection 22 (FIG. 1) of the engagement member 14 (FIG. 1) of the jack 10 can be inserted into the tube 84 so that the jack can be used to lift the adjacent tire in the manner discussed with respect to FIGS. 3-5. Thus, the ATV 60 shown in FIG. 6 has had the projection 22 of the jack 10 inserted into tube 84 a and the ATV driven rearwardly to engage the jack and lift the left rear tire 64 as shown. Once the tire 64 is repaired or replaced, the ATV 60 is simply driven forward. The projection 22 of the engagement member 14 is removed from the tube, and the pins (not shown) are removed to allow the jack 10 to collapse down to a compact size so that it may be stored in a glovebox or some other holder on the ATV 60.

One significant advantage of the present invention is that it loads the suspension (i.e. puts the suspension into a state of compression), when the jack 30 is lifting the wheel 64 above ground. In a typical jack arrangement, the jack engages the frame of the vehicle and the frame is lifted until the desired wheel is off the ground. Because the suspension is unloaded, the weight of the wheel pulls the suspension down. This is why, for example, the frame of a car must be lifted several inches before the tire even lifts off the ground. In an ATV, the suspension is designed to provide much more play or extension than in a conventional car. Thus, to lift the wheel off the ground by simply engaging the frame of the ATV can require the ATV to be lifted a substantial distance, potentially leaving it unstable.

Accordingly, the various embodiments of the present invention have the added advantage that the jack can be positioned on a bracket that is mounted to the suspension system of the ATV, which enables the jack to preload the ATV suspension when the vehicle is lifted up by the jack. By preloading the suspension, the ATV can be lifted minimally off the ground so as to maintain the lowest possible distance from the ground, while still allowing enough lift to accomplish the necessary repairs to a tire. With this approach, if a vehicle were to fall from the lifted position, it would only fall a few inches. This makes the jack of the present invention significantly safer than conventional jacks.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 6, the ATV has been advanced toward the jack to cause the jack to engage and lift part of the weight of the ATV, resulting in the tire 64 being lifted, while the frame of the ATV has been rotated only a modest amount to the right. This results in a more stable position for the ATV and reduces the risk that it may roll over in steep terrain.

While some ATVs have tubes such as those shown in FIG. 6 adjacent some tires, most ATVs do not have such tubes adjacent all tires. Thus, FIG. 7 shows an end view of a mounting bracket 90 which may be used on an ATV to facilitate the use of the ATV jack (FIGS. 1-6). The mounting bracket 90 may include a tube 94 configured to receive the engagement member (FIGS. 1-5), and one or more arms 98 extending from the tubes. The arms 98 may have a hole 102 which is sized to receive a bolt, such as the bolt which connects the shock absorber or strut 80 (FIG. 6) to the suspension arm 76 (FIG. 6). The arms 98 may also include a flange 106 to provide additional structural support to the arms.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the mounting bracket 90 of FIG. 7. As shown, two arms 98 are used so that the mounting bracket 90 may be attached on both sides of the suspension arm 76 (FIG. 6) at the juncture with the shock absorber 80 (FIG. 6). Attaching the mounting bracket 90 to the suspension system of the ATV is relatively easy, as shown in FIG. 9. The bolt holding the bottom of the shock absorber 80 to the suspension arm 76 is removed. The holes 102 (FIG. 7) in the arms 98 of the mounting bracket are placed in alignment with the holes through which the bolt previously passed. A new bolt 110 which is sized to accommodate the additional thickness added by the arms (or the original bolt if it is long enough) is then slid through the hole of one arm, through the hole in the suspension arm 76, through the base of the shock absorber 80, through the other hole in the suspension arm 76 and through the hole in the second arm of the mounting bracket 90. In a matter of a few minutes, mounting brackets 90 can be added adjacent each wheel of the ATV, thereby positioning the tube 94 to allow the jack 10 to be used on any wheel as shown in FIG. 9.

While providing a convenient attachment point for the jack 10 (FIGS. 1-6), the mounting bracket 90 can be used for a number of other purposes. For example, FIG. 10 shows a side view of an ATV 60 which is using the mounting bracket of FIG. 8 to hold an umbrella 120. The umbrella includes a stand 124 which includes a lower portion 124 a which is insertable into the mounting bracket (not shown) to hold the stand upright and hold the umbrella 120 above all or part of the ATV. It will be appreciated that the lower portion 124 a could include projections which engage the suspension arms, etc., to provide lateral stability. Additionally, the tube 94 (FIG. 9) can be shaped to provide for lateral stability while still allowing for use of the jack 10 (FIG. 1)—for example, the tube 94 may be triangular or square in cross section. The projection 22 (FIGS. 1-6) of the engagement member 14 (FIGS. 1-6) may be shaped to match the shape of the tube 94 (FIG. 9).

FIG. 11 shows an ATV 60 having a stand 124 which is being used to hold up a propane powered lantern 130. The lantern 130 may be connected by a tube to a propane tank 134. The stand 124 allows the light to be held up and provide light to an area, such as where people are going camping on their ATVs in areas which lack a table or other structure to hold the lantern 130. Keeping the lantern 130 well above the grass also reduces the risk of accidentally starting a fire by the lantern being knocked over.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the mounting brackets could be used at the same time, such as to support a cover frame over which a cover or rain shield for the ATV is mounted. Likewise, a small work table or cookstove could be held using the mounting brackets.

While the mounting brackets discussed above are one preferred embodiment, the jack 10 (FIGS. 1-6) could include an adapter to allow use on ATVs lacking the mounting brackets or a comparable tube. Thus, FIG. 12 shows a top view of an adapter 150 which may be used to engage a suspension arm of an ATV for use with the ATV jack. The adapter 150 includes a tube 154 configured to receive the projection 22 (FIGS. 1-5) of the engagement member 14 (FIGS. 1-6). The adapter may also include a U-shaped collar 158 having a base 162 and a pair of adapter arms or prongs 166. The tube 154 is attached to the U-shaped collar as shown in FIG. 13. The U-shaped collar may be formed from tube steel or other material of sufficient strength to engage and hold the suspension arm.

In FIG. 13, there is shown a front view of the adapter of FIG. 12, including the tube 154 configured to receive the projection 22 (FIGS. 1-5) of the engagement member 14 (FIGS. 1-6). The tube 154 may be, for example, circular, or may be triangular, square, grooved, or otherwise irregularly shaped in cross-section to match the shape of the projection 22 (FIGS. 1-5) of the engagement member 14 (FIGS. 1-6). In some embodiments, the tube 154 may be adapted to receive the projection 22 (FIGS. 1-5) so that when the projection 22 is inserted, the arms or prongs 166 are held at an offset angle.

FIGS. 34 and 35 show another embodiment of a vehicle mounting bracket, which comprises a tube 654 having an open end configured to receive the projection 22 (FIGS. 1-5) of the engagement member 14 (FIGS. 1-6). The tube 654 further comprises a closed end 655 with a hole 656 configured to receive a bolt for attaching the bracket to a vehicle by means of a vehicle bolt. The sides of tube 654 also have holes 658 a and 658 b for receiving a retaining pin 659 that extends through the holes 658 a and 658 b, as well as hole 214 that extends through the side of the projection 22 (shown in FIGS. 18, 19). Some ATVs have a suspension system that includes a shock or strut that is connected to a control arm of the suspension with a shock or strut bolt 657. The mounting bracket shown in FIG. 34 is designed to be attached to the vehicle with the shock bolt by inserting the shock bolt through the inside of the tube 654 and through hole 656, and then through the shock, where it is secured with a shock bolt nut. When secured, tube 654 extends outwardly so that the projection of the engagement member can be inserted into the tube and the jack can then lift the vehicle above the ground for repair or maintenance.

Turning to FIG. 14, there is shown a rear view of an ATV having one wheel jacked up using a jack 10 and the adapter 150. The projection of the engagement member (not shown) is inserted into the tube (not shown). The adapter 150 is advanced so that the arms or prongs 166 (FIG. 13) are disposed on opposing sides of the suspension arm 76 and the ATV is then reversed so that the foot 50 engages the surface 60 and the jack 10 lifts the suspension arm 76 (FIG. 6) in the manner discussed above. It will be appreciated that the adapter 150 may be integrally formed with the engagement member 14 (FIGS. 1-6), or may be a separate piece.

FIG. 15 shows an alternate mounting bracket/adapter which may be mounted on a suspension arm 76 (FIG. 6) for replacing a tire. The adaptor indicated generally at 180 may include a tube 154 and a base plate 184. A pair of U-bolts 188 engage the plate and extend generally parallel to the tube 154. The U-bolts are held in place by nuts (not shown). In use, the U-bolts 188 are placed around one of the suspension arms of the ATV and secured in place. The engagement member from the jack is then inserted into the tube and used to lift that suspension arm in a manner discussed above.

FIG. 16 shows the use of a pair of jacks to lift an entire end of an ATV. Each jack 10 is attached to one of the holes (either part of the suspension system or an adapter/mounting bracket) as discussed above. The ATV is then driven backwards so that the base plates 50 engage the surface 60 and lift both sides of the ATC. A brace 194 can be used to provide extra support to the jacks 10 and provide additional lateral stability. The brace 194 may, for example, engage the holes in the jacks by bolts, pins or the like.

The safety lock system shown in FIG. 17 may include a radial flange disposed around and near a proximal end of the engagement member and a safety collar having an opening configured to fit over the engagement member between the radial flange and the leg, thereby locking the engagement member in place and preventing the engagement member from pivoting and allowing the vehicle to move and potentially fall on an individual who may be underneath the vehicle conducting repairs or maintenance. A top portion of the leg comprises a flange having a single side opening configured to restrict the engagement member from pivoting greater than about 45 degrees. FIG. 17 illustrates one particular embodiment of such safety feature for locking the engagement member 14 and projection 22 in place while in use, thereby preventing the engagement member and projection from pivoting. As shown in FIG. 17, the safety feature of this embodiment comprises a safety collar 200 having an opening 201 that is placed over the projection 22 to lock the engagement member 14 and projection 22 in place. As shown in FIG. 17, the engagement member 14 is comprised of projection 22 and a flange 202 positioned near the proximal end of the projection attached to leg 30. Flange 202 is positioned sufficiently close to leg 30 that when the safety collar 200 is positioned on the projection 22 of the engagement member 14 between the flange 202 and leg 30, the engagement member 14 and projection 22 are locked in place and prevented from pivoting.

In yet another embodiment, FIG. 17 shows an additional safety feature for locking the projection 22 together with the tube 94 of mounting bracket 20 to prevent release of the projection from the tube when the jack is in use to support a vehicle above the ground for repair or maintenance. As shown in FIG. 17, projection 22 is locked to tube 94 by inserting pin 210 through holes 212 a and 212 b of tube 94 of mounting bracket 20 and hole 214 of projection 22 when the projection is inserted into the tube and the holes are aligned.

FIGS. 20 and 21 further show the top portion of the leg 30, which comprises a cylindrical tube forming at a top end flange 400 to which the engagement member 14 is pivotally attached. As shown in FIG. 17, the flange extends from the end of the tubular leg 30 and has a single side opening 401 configured to allow the engagement member to pivot from a position parallel to the axis of the tubular leg 30 to a sideways position at an angle of about 45 degrees from the axis of the tubular leg 30. Because there is only a single opening in the flange, the side of the flange opposite the opening restricts the engagement member from pivoting to the opposite side 402 of the leg. This feature significantly improves the strength and structural integrity of the flange and its ability to support the weight of an ATV when the jack is in use.

FIGS. 22-27 show various possible base configurations that can be attached to the bottom of tubular leg 30 or a telescoping extension, respectively suitable for different ground terrain on which the ATV may be located. For example, FIGS. 22 and 23 show a base plate 50 suitable for use in sand, having a curved edge 502 and lugs 504 for gripping the sand. FIGS. 24 and 25 show another possible base plate 50 configuration with a curved edge 502, but without lugs. FIGS. 26 and 27 show a standard base plate 50 having a flat rectangular shape. The base of the jack may also comprise only a leg segment with a pointed end or a rubber foot, such that the leg segment functions as both a leg segment and a base support.

In another aspect, the present invention further includes a storage bracket comprising a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket configured to mount to an ATV, wherein the first mounting bracket comprises one or more holes to receive a projection of a jack component and the second mounting bracket comprises one or more clamps configured to clamp the bottom of the jack component to the second mounting bracket. One particular embodiment of this aspect is shown in FIGS. 28-33, which show a vehicle mounting bracket 300 for storage and transport the ATV jack on a vehicle. The storage bracket comprises a first bracket 302 and a second bracket 304. The first bracket 302 has one or more holes configured to receive a projection of a jack component (i.e., the projection 22, or the end of a leg segment), while the second bracket 304 comprises a clamp configured to clamp the other end of the jack component firmly in place. It is understood that the vehicle mounting bracket may be mounted horizontally or upside down, such that the “top bracket” and the “bottom bracket” referred to above are positioned side-to-side or in reverse orientation (i.e., bottom bracket is on top and top bracket is on the bottom).

The top bracket 302 and bottom bracket 304 are attached to an ATV, such as to a roll bar, by means of clamp ends 307 and 309. Top bracket 302 comprises one or more vertical holes, such as vertical hole 306 a and 306 b, that are configured to receive the projection 22 and/or an additional or alternative segment of the leg 30. The bottom bracket 304 is shown with recesses 312 a and 312 b configured to receive the leg segments and horizontal holes 308 a and 308 b within the recesses that are configured to receive either pin 310 that extends through hole 308 and through one of holes 42 of the leg 30 (as shown in FIG. 32), or alternatively a threaded bolt with a handle, such as 310 a and 310 b (as shown in FIG. 29). Jack 10 is secured to the vehicle mounting bracket 300 by first inserting the projection 22 of jack 10 (or one end of leg segment 305) into hole 306 a and/or 306 b and then aligning one of holes 42 of the bottom of jack 10 (or other end of leg segment 305) with holes 308 a and/or 308 b of the vehicle mounting bracket and inserting a pin 310 (or threaded screw) through the holes 42 and 308 a or 308 b to fix the bottom portion of the jack 10 or leg segment in place on the ATV mounting system. Although it is possible to pin or bolt the jack and its accessories directly to the mounting bracket 304 a, it is also contemplated that the bottom bracket 304 may further include a clamp 304 b with recesses 313 a and 313 b that are configured to be placed over the end of the leg segment and jack to clamp them more securely in place, as shown in FIG. 32.

In another aspect, the removable engagement member may comprise a clamping mechanism to secure the ATV jack of the present invention to the ATV. The clamping mechanism, like the removable engagement member described above, is pivotally attached to the leg. Use of a clamping mechanism has the advantage of avoiding the necessity of installing a separate mating engagement member to the suspension system of the ATV, which requires that a mating engagement member be installed on an axle assembly of the suspension system of each wheel. Thus, the clamping mechanism may simplify use of the ATV jack of the present invention by allowing the jack to simply be clamped to the top portion of the ATV jack directly to the suspension system (such as an axle, strut, suspension leg or other available structure) of the ATV.

Specific embodiments of suitable clamping mechanisms are shown in FIGS. 36-39. For example, FIG. 36 illustrates one specific embodiment of a clamping mechanism, which is a clamp that is clamped shut from the outer lips 701 b and 702 b of the clamp jaws 701 and 702. Clamp jaws 701 and 702 further include teeth 701 a and 702 a which may help the clamp jaws securely engage with a support structure on the ATV suspension system. In this embodiment, the clamp is pivotally attached to the top of leg 30. The entire clamp assembly can pivot about pivot pin 34. In addition, clamp jaws 701 and 702 can expand and clamp by pivoting about pins 703 and 704, which allows the clamp japs 701 and 702 to expand sufficiently to be placed around and secured to any available structure on the suspension system capable of bearing the weight of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 36, the clamping mechanism includes a bolt 710 that is pivotally secured to the lower clamp jaw 702 by being screwed through a stationary or pivoting nut 715 that is secured to the lower jaw 710. The bolt 710 is releaseably engageable with the top clamp jap 701 by sliding through a slot 705 in the front of clamp jaw 701, which has a depression formed by flange 713 to keep the bolt 710 secured to the upper clamp jaw 701. The bold 710 may further include an annular flange 714 at a top portion of the bolt to engage with the depression formed by flange 713 and force the clamp jaws closed.

In order to secure the clamping mechanism to a support structure on the suspension system, the bolt 710 is released from the clamping position in the depression formed by flange 713 and pivoted forwardly out of the way to allow jaws to surround a support structure on the suspension system. With the clamp jaws 701 and 702 in position around a support structure, the clamp jaws are closed and the bolt 710 can then be repositioned in the slot 705 of the upper clamp jaw 701. By hand turning the butterfly bolt head 712, the annular flange 714 at the top of the bolt 710 is secured within the depression formed by flange 713 and the clamp jaws are forced shut. The bolt 710, because it is used to clamp the clamp jaws 701 and 702 shut from the front (where the support structure of the ATV suspension system must enter and exit from between the clamp jaws, also serves as a safety mechanism by locking the support structure of the ATV suspension system inside the clamp jaws 701 and 702 and prevents the support structure from coming out from between the jaws.

An alternative clamping mechanism is shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. In this embodiment, the bolt also functions to open and close the clamp jaws, but is positioned at the rear of the clamp jaws 701 and 702 to open and close the jaws of the clamp from the rear. In FIGS. 38 and 39, the bolt 710 has similar structures as the embodiment in FIGS. 36 and 37 to clamp the clamp jaws 701 and 702 shut.

Other acceptable clamping mechanisms are shown in FIGS. 40-46. For example FIGS. 40-42 show different variations of a simple screw type clamp mechanism. FIG. 40 shows a clamp having a first clamp jaw 810 with a flange 812, a second clamp jaw 814 with a flange 816, and a screw 818 disposed between the two flanges to clamp closed or separate the first and second clamp jaws 810 and 814. The first and second clamp jaws 810 and 814 are separated a distance so as to allow them to clamp onto two separate support structures 820 and 821. Suitable support structures may include, for example, two separate control arms of the suspension system. The clamping engagement member may be configured to separate a large distance to accommodate the distance between the control arms.

FIG. 41 shows a clamp having a first clamp jaw 810 with a flange 812, a second clamp jaw 814, with the screw 818 configured to directly impinge on the second clamp jaw 814 and cause it to clamp down on the support structure. The first and second clamp jaws 810 and 814 are separated a distance so as to allow them to clamp onto two separate support structures 820 and 821.

FIG. 42 shows an alternatively clamp embodiment having a first clamp jaw 810 with a flange 812, a second clamp jaw 814 with a flange 816, where the two clamp jaws slide within a housing 811. A screw 818 disposed between the two flanges clamps closed or separates the first and second clamp jaws 810 and 814. In FIG. 42, the clamp jaws separate to engage the two support structures 820 and 821.

FIG. 43 shows a simple clamp embodiment having a first clamp jaw 810 and a second clamp jaw 814 that are part of non-pivoting C-clamp structure. Screw 818 can either prevent release of the clamp from the two support structures 820 and 821, or alternatively the first and second jaws 810 and 814 are made of sufficiently flexible material that the screw causes the first and second clamp jaws to clamp together and actually clamp onto the support structures.

FIGS. 44-46 show an embodiment in which an annular ring 830, comprised of a first segment 832 and second segment 834 are screwed together with screws 836 to form an annular ring. The annular ring 830 may have the internal portion of the ring 831 shaped to conform to the shape of a support structure on the vehicle, such as a shock base 838.

Other types of clamping mechanisms are also contemplated and can be designed by those skilled in the art.

Turning now to FIG. 47 there is shown an alternate configuration of a mounting bracket, generally indicated at 900. Those familiar with various ATVs will understand that the shock or struck bolt or other similar structure which can be used for mounting may extend either parallel to or perpendicular to the length of the vehicle. In the embodiments disclosed above, the bolt extended generally parallel with the length of the vehicle. However on some configurations the bolt extends perpendicular to the length. Thus, as shown in FIG. 48, the bracket 900 is attached using the strut bolt 904 adjacent the strut 906 and the control arm 910 so that the engagement member tube 912 extends generally parallel with the length of the vehicle.

The mounting bracket 900 (FIG. 47) includes a hole 914 in a main body 916 for receiving the strut bolt 904 and a pair of flanges 918 which provided support and can secure the main body on the juncture of the strut and control arm. Extending from the main body 916 is an extension arm 920 and the engagement member 912, which maybe formed from a steel tube or other structure. The engagement member 912 may extend generally parallel to the main body 916 and may include holes 922 to receive pins, etc., to secure the engagement member of the jack as discussed above and thereby prevent accidental removal of the engagement members from one another while changing a tire. The engagement member 912 shown in FIG. 47 extends in both directions so that the same bracket can be used on either side of the suspension.

FIGS. 49 and 50 show an alternate configuration of a bracket, generally indicated at 950, which forms an engagement member 954 for engaging an engagement member of a jack as will be discussed below. The bracket 950 includes a threaded shank 958 which replaces the shock or strut bolt of the suspension system, or otherwise attaches to the suspension system at a convenient location. The threaded shank is shown including a nut 962 for disposition on the interior side of the suspension system. At the opposite end of the shank is a projection 966 which forms the engagement member 954. The threaded shank may be threadedly mounted in the projection 966, or may be welded or otherwise attached thereto.

The projection 966 may include a hole 968 which can receive a pin to secure the projection inside the engagement member of the jack while the jack is in use. The hole 968 can also be used to secure the projection during tightening of the nut 962 by, for example, sticking a screw driver in the hole to prevent the projection from rotating. The projection may be cylindrical or may be knurled with flattened sides 970 to allow a wrench to engage the projection to prevent rotation. An end view of the projection is shown in FIG. 50. The projection is relatively small and generally unnoticeable unless a person is looking directly at it. It provides the ability to engage a jack with very little added weight to the ATV.

On same ATVs the end of the strut or shock bolt is recessed away from the end of the vehicle, i.e. distally at the front end or proximally at the rear end such that the control arm, or other suspension structure inhibits access to the projection for engagement with the jack. While the projection 966 could be made longer, FIGS. 51 and 52 show a perspective view and an end view of an adapter, generally indicated at 980, The adapter 980 includes a first end portion 982 which has a concave portion shaped and sized to receive the projection shown in FIGS. 49 and 50 and may include one or more holes 984 which can receive a pin (not shown) which passes through the hole 984 and the hole 968 in the projection to hold the adapter in place.

The adapter includes a second end portion 986 which may be shaped and sized similar to the projection 966 (FIGS. 49-50) so as to form an engagement member to engage the engagement member of the jack. The second end portion 986 may also include a hole 990 extending therethrough to receive a pin in the same manner which the hole 968 in the projection would receive a pin to secure it in the engagement member of the jack. The first end portion 982 and the second end portion 986 may be tapered toward one another or may have an annual shoulder 992 as shown in FIG. 51. FIG. 52 shows and end view of the first end portion 982 so as to show the void 994 defined by an annular wall 996 sized and shaped to receive the projection 966. The first end portion 982 may be oriented such that a pin passing through the holes 984 in the first end portion and through the hole 968 in the projection 966 (FIG. 50) holds the two structures together in a fixed orientation. While shown as being generally cylindrical, the void (and the projection) could be other shapes if desired.

FIG. 53 shows an alternate configuration of an upper portion 1030 b of the jack, generally indicated at 1010. The jack 1010 includes an engagement member 1014. Rather than using an insert (such as insert 14 in FIG. 1) the engagement member 1014 includes a base 1026 having void 1018 (FIG. 54) formed therein and shaped and sized for receiving the projection 966 on the mounting bracket 954 shown in FIGS. 49 and 50. The base 1026 of the engagement member may be attached to the upper portion 1030 b of the jack 1010 by a pin 1034. The pin 1034 may be removable or permanent and may allow the base portion to pivot between a position generally coaxial with the upper portion and a position slightly beyond perpendicular with the upper portion. An engagement surface 1038 or yoke 1040 may be formed on the upper portion 1030 b of the jack leg to prevent the base 1026 from rotating beyond, for example, more than 5-15 degrees beyond perpendicular. As explained with the prior embodiment, this allows the jack to pivot past vertical so the weight of the vehicle holds the jack in place.

The base 1026 may form an annular collar 1020 (FIG. 54) which is strong enough to support the weight of the ATV while receiving the projection 966 (FIGS. 49-50) which is attached to and forms the engagement member for the suspension system. The annular collar 1020 may include a plurality of holes 1022 so that a pin (not shown) can be inserted through the base 1026 and the hole 968 in the projection 966 (FIG. 50) to prevent the two from sliding apart while the tire is being changed. The pin also holds the two engagement members 954 and 1014 in the same orientation. Because the load of the ATV will not always be directly above the jack (as may be caused when the vehicle in on uneven ground) the pin prevents the projection 966 from rotating with the collar 1020 and thus prevents the vehicle from sliding sideways off the jack. Four holes 1022 are shown in the collar 1020 so that the collar can be mounted on the projection regardless of whether the hole 968 in the projection is generally vertical or generally horizontal.

Turning now to FIG. 55, there is shown a bottom perspective view of a safety lock system in the form of a safety cap 1050. The safety cap 1050 may include a first, central portion 1052 with a generally U-shaped wall 1054 and a concave recess 1056 sized and shaped for receiving part of the upper portion of the base 1026 of the engagement member 1014. The middle portion 1054 a of the U-shaped wall 1054 is configured to nest between the base 1026 of the engagement member 1014 and a generally U-shaped top end 1030 a of the upper portion 1030 b of the jack leg. The safety cap 1050 may also include a base 1060 which extends to a flange 1062 spaced from the middle portion 1054 a of the U-shaped wall 1054 so as to leave a channel 1064 for receiving the top end 1030 a of the upper portion 1030 b of the jack leg. The safety cap 1050 may also include a threaded void 1064 to facilitate attachment to a jack holder (not shown) when the safety cap is not in use.

Turning now to FIG. 56, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the safety lock system including a safety cap 1050 disposed on top of the upper end 1030 a of the jack leg to hold the base 1026 of the engagement member 1014 in place. The engagement member 1014 is attached to the jack leg by a pin 1066 so that it can pivot. The rotation of the engagement member 1014 toward the bottom end of the upper portion 1030 b of the jack leg is limited by the engagement surface 1038. Typically, the location of the engagement surface allows the engagement member to pivot 5-15 degrees beyond perpendicular to the long axis of the jack leg. In order to allow the engagement member 1014 to properly engage the engagement member on the suspension system of the vehicle, however, the engagement member must be able to pivot sufficiently toward a position co-axial with the jack leg, typically 20-70 degrees in the other direction. Once engaged on the engagement member on the suspension and the vehicle has been advanced toward the jack, however, it is desirable to prevent the engagement member 1014 pivoting away from the generally perpendicular position shown in FIG. 56. To this end, the safety cap 1050 is set on the top of the jack leg so that the upper end 1030 a slides into the channel 1056 and is held on the back by the flange 1062 and on the front by the mid-portion 1054 a of the generally U-shaped wall. In this location, the safety cap 1050 prevents the engagement member 1054 from pivoting upwardly and locks the jack in place while the tire is changed. When done, the safety cap 1050 can be pulled of the upper end 1030 a of the jack leg and the body 1026 of the engagement member 1014 is able to pivot upwardly as the vehicle is moved away from the jack.

FIG. 56 also shows the engagement member 954 which is attached to a suspension system (not shown) of an ATV via the threaded shaft 958 and nut 962. The engagement member 954 is nested in the void 1018 in the engagement member 1014 on the jack. The engagement member 1014 preferably includes four holes 1022 through which a pin 1043 can be inserted to hold the projection 966 of the engagement member 954 in place by extending through the hole 968 (FIG. 50). The use of the pin 1043 serves two purposes. First, it prevents the projection 966 from being withdrawn from the void 1018. Second, it prevents rotation of the projection 966 relative to the annular collar 1020 so that the vehicle cannot slide off the jack by moving to either side. On a hill or other uneven surface the force of the vehicle will rarely be perfectly vertical and locking the projection 966 and the collar 1020 relative to one another helps prevent the vehicle from sliding sideways.

FIGS. 57 and 58 shows a perspective views of a 20 inch and 10 inch, respectively, jack leg segment. By aligning holes 1042 in the leg portions and inserting a pin, the jack leg can be made the length needed to lift the wheel without making it so long that it is difficult to advance the vehicle into the correct position. While the embodiments in FIGS. 1-4 show three leg segments, it will be appreciated from FIG. 17 and from FIGS. 53, 57 and 58 that two leg segments can be used and that the foot can be removably attached to the bottom of the lowest leg segment.

FIG. 59 shows side views of alternate vehicle mounting storage bracket 1100 for storage and transport the ATV jack on a vehicle. The storage bracket 100 comprises a first storage bracket 1102 and a second storage bracket 1104. The first storage bracket 1102 has one or more holes 1106 configured to receive a portion of a jack component (i.e., the engagement member 1014 or the end of a leg segment 1030 b, 1030 c, 1030 d), while the second bracket 1104 comprises a recesses 1108 shaped and sized to receive opposing ends of leg segments, etc., with fasteners, such as threaded shafts 1110 with handles 1112 for extending through the holes in the leg segments to attach them to the second storage bracket 1104.

The first storage bracket 1102 and the second storage bracket 1104 may be attached to an ATV, such as to a roll bar, by means of clamp ends 1107 and 1109. As shown in FIG. 59, the clamp end 1107 on the end of the first storage bracket 1102 and the second storage bracket 1104 has a concave surface with at least two different radii of curvature. For example, one portion 1111 may be rounded to engage a tube having a 2 inch outer diameter, while a second portion 1113 may have a radius of curvature to receive a tube having a 1 inch outer diameter. One or more threaded fasteners 1115 can be used to draw the clap ends 1107 and 1109 toward each other, so that if the storage brackets 1102 and 1104 are mounted on a 2 inch tube, the first portion 1111 engages the tube, and such that the second portion 1113 engages the tube if it is mounted on a 1 inch tube. Because various models of ATVs have different tubing thereon, the present embodiment allows a single par of storage brackets to be used on a variety of different ATV brands.

FIG. 60 shows an alternate embodiment of a tie-down adapter (or projection) which could be used on the bracket of an engagement member attached to the vehicle. The structure will be discussed herein as an adapter, but it will be realized that the structure could be provided with a threaded shank. As shown in FIG. 60, the tie down adapter 1150 includes a generally tubular base portion 1154 which may include a plurality of holes 1156 by which a pin (not show) may be used to attach the tie-down adapter to a projection (FIG. 49) of a vehicle mounted engagement member. As shown in FIG. 60, four holes are provided so that the orientation of the adapter may be rotated in 90 degree increments.

Extending from the tubular base portion 1154 is wall 1160 having a large (i.e. larger than the holes 1156) opening 1162. The opening 1162 is sized to receive a strap or a hook from a tie-down strap which may be used to secure the ATV to a trailer or another part of the ATV as will be discussed below. One challenge with transporting an ATV is ensure that the vehicle is properly tied down for transport so that vehicle is not able to roll or slide. Many vehicles lack convenient attachment points and users often pass the straps through various parts of the vehicle which could lead to damage. In contrast, in accordance with one aspect of the invention shown in FIG. 61, the adapters 1150 can be attached to the brackets 950 already in place by use of a pin, etc. 1155, and then tie-down straps 1157 can be attached to the large opening in the adaptors to facilitating securing the vehicle in about 1 minute. In one alternative, the strap could already be secured to the adapters 1150 so that the adapters are pinned to the brackets 950 and then the straps tightened to secure the vehicle. It will also be appreciated in accordance with the present invention that straps could be provided with hooks or other fasteners which would allow the strap to be attached via the holes 968 in the brackets. It will be appreciated that the adapter could be made so that it is attached by a threaded shaft to the suspension system similar to the structure shown in FIGS. 34-35.

FIG. 62 shows an ATV 60 disposed on a trailer 1200. Conventionally straps are used to secure the ATV. Rather than wrapping straps through the wheels or around other structures, straps 1204 are anchored to the trailer 1200 and are attached to the brackets 950 or adapters 1150 attached to the suspension system of the ATV 60. The straps 1204 can be attached within a few seconds per strap and the user can be assured that the straps are securely attached. Thus, the brackets 950 or adapters 1150 used to lift the ATV to repair a flat tire can also be used to secure the ATV on a trailer, etc.

FIG. 63 shows an ATV 60 wherein a strap 1204 is attached to the brackets 950/adapters 1150 as discussed above. By tightening the strap 1204 the suspension system extends downwardly and the wheels 61 move toward each other. This is advantageous because it reduces the width of the ATV, UTV and ROV. This allows the vehicle to be fit into a narrower transport mechanism such as the back of a pick-up truck or into a door of a toy hauler trailer. The vehicle can still drive while the suspension is compressed so the vehicle can be driven into the trailer, pick-up bed, etc.

FIG. 64 shows a complete ATV jack system (other than the optional adapters) and is numbered accordingly.

Thus there is disclosed a new “ATV” jack for use with off road vehicles. As used in the claims, the term ATV should be considered to include UTVs and ROVs as well. Those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous medications which may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tie-down adapter system comprising: an adapter having an opening for receiving a hook of a tie-down strap and a base portion defining a plurality of holes; a threaded shaft attached to or attachable to the adapter; an engagement member attached to the threaded shaft, the engagement member having at least one hole extending therethrough, the at least one hole being sized and shaped to receive a pin and being alignable with the holes in the base portion of the adapter aligned so that the pin may be inserted through the engagement member and two of the plurality of holes in the adapter; and wherein the plurality of holes in the adapter comprises four holes in the base portion so that the holes in the base portion can be aligned with the hole extending through the engagement member in 90-degree increments.
 2. The tie-down adapter system of claim 1, wherein the base portion of the adapter is generally tubular and sized to receive the engagement member attached to the threaded shaft.
 3. The tie-down adapter system of claim 1, further comprising a pin extending through two holes of the plurality of holes in the adapter and through the hole extending through the engagement member to hold the adapter to the engagement member.
 4. The tie-down adapter system of claim 2, further comprising a wall extending from the base portion which is generally tubular, the opening being disposed in the wall.
 5. The tie-down adapter system of claim 4, wherein the opening in the wall is larger than each hole of the plurality of holes in the base portion.
 6. The tie down adapter system of claim 4, wherein the opening is generally oblong.
 7. The tie-down adapter system of claim 4, wherein the base portion is cylindrical and wherein the wall extending from the base portion is semi-circular.
 8. A tie-down adapter system comprising: an adapter having an opening for receiving a hook of a tie-down strap; a threaded shaft attached to or attachable to the adapter; and a tie-down strap having a hook disposed on the end thereof sized to be received in the opening.
 9. A method for securing an ATV for transport, the method comprises: selecting a tie-down adapter system comprising an adapter having an opening for receiving a hook of a tie-down strap and a threaded shaft attached to or attachable to the adapter, and a strap having a hook disposed on an end thereof, the hook being sized to be received in the opening; attaching the adapter to a suspension system of an ATV; and attaching a strap to the adapter and applying force to the strap.
 10. The method of securing an ATV for transport of claim 9, wherein the method comprises selecting an ATV which has an engagement member attached to the suspension system of the ATV and releasably attaching the adapter to the engagement member.
 11. The method of securing an ATV for transport of claim 10, wherein the adapter has a plurality of holes and wherein the engagement member comprises a hole formed therein and wherein the method comprises inserting a pin through the adapter and the engagement member to hold the adapter to the engagement member.
 12. The method for securing an ATV for transport of claim 9, wherein the strap is secured to a trailer to hold the ATV in place.
 13. The method for securing an ATV for transport of claim 9, wherein the suspension of the ATV is attached to two wheels and wherein the method comprises attaching a second adaptor to the suspension of an ATV and wherein the method comprising attaching the adaptors together with a strap and applying force to the strap to apply inward force on opposing sides of the suspension and thereby draw the wheels closer together.
 14. An ATV having the tie-down adapter system of claim 8, wherein the tie-down adapter is attached to a suspension system of the ATV.
 15. The ATV according to claim 14, further comprising a second adapter having an opening for receiving a hook of a tie-down strap and a second threaded shaft attached to or attachable to the second adapter.
 16. The ATV according to claim 15, wherein the strap is attached to the adapter and the second adapter.
 17. The tie-down adapter system of claim 8, wherein the threaded shaft is attached to an engagement member and wherein the adapter has a base portion which is generally tubular and sized to receive the engagement member attached to the threaded shaft.
 18. The tie-down adapter system of claim 8, wherein the threaded shaft is attached to an engagement member and further comprising a pin extending through the adapter and the engagement member.
 19. The tie-down adapter system of claim 18, wherein the adapter has a wall extending from the base portion, the opening being disposed in the wall.
 20. The tie-down adapter of claim 19, wherein the adapter is generally tubular and has a sloped face leading from the wall down to the base portion on a part of the base portion opposite the wall. 